Immigration Specialist I - Scholars

Job Title

Immigration Specialist I - Scholars

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

International Student and Scholar Services

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

,

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

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  Our Commitment

  Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

  Who we are  

  International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students, scholars, and their families as they navigate the U.S. immigration system and life in the U.S. We educate on policies and regulations and provide programs to enhance the Texas A&M international community experience. We welcome our international students, scholars, and their dependents to the Aggie community. We strive to build and nurture a culture where we choose to embrace, encourage, and celebrate different viewpoints, perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. We are proud of our International Aggies who are changing the world!  

  What we want

  International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is seeking an Immigration Specialist I to assist with processing and advising for the ISSS office and clientele, including prospective, current, and former international scholars and students, along with family members of our international community, University faculty and staff, as well as community and government representatives. This essential role in ISSS will primarily assist with supporting our scholar population by processing immigration requests and advising. We are seeking an experienced professional to provide thorough, accurate, and timely customer service related to immigration and other matters. We are looking for an individual who promotes and can demonstrate teamwork and respect for people in the workplace and in all interactions with internal and external clientele. If you can communicate complicated information effectively and diplomatically, you are interested to learn about the U.S. immigration system as it pertains to higher education, and you enjoy a fast-paced and high-volume work environment, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.

  What you need to know

  Salary:    $36,512.00 to $46,924.80 (Based on candidates qualifications)

  Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

  Other Requirements and Factors: U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident as required by federal regulations for certification as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Must be willing to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must be willing to work on- and off-campus. Required to handle protected health information (PHI) as defined by HIPAA regulations in accordance with Texas A&M System policy. Required to complete HIPAA training as a condition of employment, within a reasonable timeframe after the individual’s hire date, and on an as-needed basis thereafter. Travel may be required. Remote work may be required.

  
  Job Description
  Required Education and Experience:
  

  • Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • One year of Immigration Services or related experience.

  
  

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  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.

  • Basic familiarity with immigration laws.

  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

  • Ability to also work independently.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills.

  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

  • Detail-oriented.

  • Ability to comprehend and communicate technical information effectively and diplomatically.

  • Ability to relate well with the student population.

  Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher.

  • Experience working at an institution of higher education.

  • Experience with advising or supporting international students.

  • Experience working with people of different backgrounds.

  • Experience processing high-volume records, requests, and tasks.

  • Experience using computer software programs, such as SEVIS, Banner, PeopleSoft, ISSM, Terra Dotta, Sunapsis, and/or other immigration, student information, or customer relationship management systems.

  • Active member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and/or other international or academic organizations.

  • Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Designated School Official (DSO), Responsible Officer (RO), and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

  • Knowledge of TAMU policies and procedures.

  • Ability to provide exceptional customer service to many customers at the same time.

  Essential Duties/Tasks

  Document Processing - Supports international scholars through the processing of immigration documents and requests. Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with U.S. Department of State. Maintains international scholar records, handles confidential (FERPA and HIPAA-protected) information, and navigates intricate immigration matters with multiple deadlines involved. Produces accurate and efficient document processing within office processing timelines and in compliance with regulations.

  Advising & Customer Service - Supports prospective, current, and former international scholars, students and their dependents through the delivery of immigration advising. Advises accurately and efficiently via email, phone, front counter, virtual-drop-in advising, and appointments. Provides limited assistance with scholar emergencies as needed. Triages and escalates complex matters to the appropriate staff member and/or supervisor as needed. Provides information and advising to Texas A&M departments and external agencies related to immigration matters. Exercises independent judgement to resolve problems regarding international scholar records. Communicates verbally and in writing.

  Training & Professional Development - Learns, maintains knowledge, and keeps abreast of applicable Federal, State, University, and ISSS regulations, policies, and procedures. Actively participates in internal and external training to advance knowledge, particularly with respect to immigration document processing and advising for international scholars. Assists with the review, revision, and interpretation of complex rules, regulations, procedures, and policies relating to immigration. Researches and references internal policies and procedures, the NAFSA Adviser’s Manual, as well as federal government regulations and guidance when processing documents and advising scholars and students.

  Office Representation & Travel - Represents ISSS as needed in some capacity, such as giving presentations, helping with Q&A during events, serving as office liaison to another unit, representing the office on a committee, or travel to meetings, conferences, or campus visits. Assists as needed with projects designed to support the needs of the office and/or international scholars. Serves as a liaison for international scholars to campus departments, community members, and other organizations. Travels occasionally off campus to fulfill office business responsibilities.

  Physical Requirements -Must be able to work from the office and provide face-to-face customer service with ISSS clientele. Must be able to use a computer and telephone to perform work and interact with clientele. Must be able to use a copier and printer. Must be able to lift, move, or carry individual documents and paper boxes as part of the records retention process.

  Why Texas A&M University? 

  Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

  We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

  Health , dental , vision , life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums. 12-15 days of annual paid holidays.  Up to eight hours of paid sick leave  and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month. Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

  For additional information on benefits Click here

  Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

  • Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time   for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

  
  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.